GIRLS TRACK: Mercury-area preview capsules

By Rosemarie Ross

Posted:
03/26/2014 08:45:50 PM EDT

BOYERTOWN

Head coach: Dave Hartman, 6th year.

Last year's record: 5-4 PAC-10.Bears to watch — Sprints: Jill Bertino (Sr.), Alex Heuer (Sr.). Hurdles: Alex Heuer (Sr.), state semifinalist in hurdles; Julia Rothenberger (So.), Taylor Halteman (Sr.) Mid-distance: Erin Akins (Jr.). Distance: Emily Schumaker. Jumps: Alex Heuer (Sr.), state medalist in triple jump; Maria Garafolo (Jr.), Rebecca Hemingway (So.). Throws: Morgan Lepre (Jr.), Madison Balga (Sr.), Sara Valenti (Jr.).Outlook: Bears are led by some of the best in the league in hurdler and triple jumper Alex Heuer, sprinter Jill Bertino and distance standout Emily Schumaker. "They are going to score a lot of points for us those three,' Hartman said. "I expect to have a pretty successful season. We have a nucleus of returning upperclassmen and a lot of up-and-coming underclassmen who are going to help score points. Our distance will be strong. Jumps and hurdles will be strong. And the throwing girls are very strong. Hoping we get that Final Four this season and I think we will make it.'

DANIEL BOONE

Head coach: Matt Kade, 5th year.

Last year's record: 5-2 Berks I Conference.Blazers to watch — Sprints: Abby Lodge (Jr.), Lauren Reightneour (Fr.). Hurdles: Alex Santora (Sr.), Kira Miller (Jr.). Mid-distance/distance: Alex Santora (Sr.) , Emilee Durso (Sr.), Abigail Snyder (Jr.), Sophia Guglielmi (Jr.), Steph Sievers (Jr.) , Lauren Reightneour (Fr.). Jumps: Alex Santora (Sr.), Kira Miller (Jr.). Throws: Steph Sievers (Jr.), Bryanna Long (Jr.). Pole vault: Kira Miller (Jr.), Alexa Shumock (Jr.).Outlook: Suffered no major losses and still have hurdle and all-around standout Alex Santora for her final season. Added a standout freshman in Lauren Reightneour. "The team has high expectations for the upcoming season with the largest team I've had since taking over the program,' Kade said. "Many of our athletes spent the winter season training together. Our top returners competed in several indoor meets throughout the winter months which have primed them for a successful outdoor season. Although our team is young, our returning upperclassmen have a lot of experience including several all-county and all-division athletes from last year. The primary goal of our team is to challenge for a county championship following a third-place finish at last year's championships.'

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HILL SCHOOL

Head coach: Patrick Lake, 4th year.

Last year's record: 4-1 in duals; second in MAPL, sixth in PAISSA.Blues to watch — Sprints: Alex Robbins (Sr.), Leah Proctor, Kat Barron, Maddy Lutwyche. Hurdles: Alex Robbins (Sr.). Distance: Monica Redfern (Jr.). Jumps: Devandria Bernard (Sr.). Pole vault: Maddie Lutwyche. Throws: Funmi Lawal, Margaret Smith.Outlook: The Blues were much improved last season, upping their record considerably last year, from one win the previous season, also moved up from fourth to second in the MAPL from 11th to sixth at PAISSA. "The team is confident it can build on its successes last season. Despite the departure of a few dominant athletes from last year's senior class, there remains a core nucleus of very talented and versatile athletes. One area the team will need to address is a lack of depth currently in distance and the high jump. But with 3/4 of the record-breaking 4x400 relay returning, there are definite areas of strength of the team as well. The team hopes once again for a strong showing in MAPL — a second-place finish is realistic — and a top 6 finish in the state. The team's new eight-lane facility will certainly add to the excitement of the season and should help along our productive training as well.'

METHACTON

Head coach: Rob Ronzano, 11th year.

Last year's record: 9-0 PAC-10, five-time defending PAC-10 champions, eight straight undefeated dual seasons.Warriors to watch — Sprints: Jenny Martin (Jr.), Nicolette Serratore (Jr.), Carly Foster (Jr.), Caroline Duffy (So.), Nikki Rimlinger (So.), Kelly Groth (So.), Reinah Dunham (Fr.), Angela Ramsden (Fr.). Hurdles: Jenny Martin (Jr.), Nicolette Serratore (Jr.), Nikki Rimlinger (So.). Mid-distance: Kara Steinke (Sr.), Jess Holub (Jr.), Abby Konkoly (So.), Lauren Engleman (So.), Ryan DeOrio (Fr.). Distance: Kara Steinke (Sr.). Jumps: Aghina Marshall (Jr.), Jenny Martin (Jr.), Nicolette Serratore (Jr.), Heather Titanich (Jr.). Pole vault: Meagan Rinella (Jr.). Throws: Tejerra Ellis (Jr.), Nura Gouda (Jr.). Javelin: Jenny Martin (Jr.), Nicolette Serratore (Jr.).Outlook: Warriors going after ninth straight undefeated dual meet season, stretching back to when Warriors were still in Suburban One. Have not lost a dual or championship meet since joining PAC-10 six years ago. Juniors Jenny Martin and Nikkie Serratore multi-event standouts. Distance standout Kara Steinke, four-time PAC-10 undefeated cross country champion, back for one more spring track season. Loaded with standout athletes. "The key to our team for the last few years has been our depth,' Ronzano said. "We will have about 60 girls out for the team, but more importantly, we are able to cover all of the events with multiple quality athletes. We also have several young athletes that will be experiencing the PAC-10 for the first time. Seeing how they respond to the pressure of each competition will be something to watch. I really like the make-up of our team. If we are able to stay healthy and the weather cooperates, it should be another season where we can challenge for a PAC-10 title.'

OWEN J. ROBERTS

Head coach: Eric Wentzel, 6th year.

Last year's record: 8-1 PAC-10. Wildcats to watch — Sprints: Maddie Cobb (Sr.), Kately Bernotas (Fr.), Teneisha Meyers (Fr.), Ashley Kucera (Sr.), Tazia Thompson (Sr.), Angela Feiser (Fr.). Hurdles: Jill Weston (Sr.), Kierra McCleod (So.), Gen Donahue (So.), Holly Sullivan (Sr.). Distance: Sarah Taylor (Sr.), Ali Brunton (Fr.), Natalie Burgos (Sr.), Andrea Shade (So.), Maddie Schaeffer (So.), Sam Garvey (So.), Emily Hansell (Fr.). Jumps: Dani Wolfrom (Sr.), Becca Painter (So.), Lauren Schwepper (Sr.), Savana Sachar (Fr.), Maggie Duffy (So.). Throws: Theresa Walsh (Sr.), Rae Rae Taylor (Fr.), Abby Tamburro (So.), Harley Ginnona (So.), Jualia Farkas (Sr.).Outlook: Lost some good athletes in Rachel Malampy, Cassidy Hart, Caroline Deangelo and Steph Tamburro, but still loaded with standouts including Holly Sullivan (defending PAC-10 champion in long jump, 400 and 800), Maddie Cobb (defending PAC-10 champion in 100 and 200 meters), Jill Weston (300 IH champion) and Sarah Taylor. Sullivan, going for heptathlon in college, will add hurdles to her list this season. Wildcats only dual loss last season to Methacton. "We are looking forward to a very exciting season,' Wentzel said. "I have been really pleased with the girls' desire to work hard and get better every day at practice. We have a nice mix of veterans and young/new athletes. I really like the make-up of this team and am really looking forward to the meets. We have high expectations for this team. It should be a fun season. We hope to make the Final Four and be competitive in every track meet. Our league schedule did us no favors by having us open with Methacton and Perk Valley the first two weeks.'

PERKIOMEN VALLEY

Head coach: Joseph Petsko, 8th year.

Last year's record: 6-3 PAC-10.Vikings to watch — Sprints: Rachel Pendrak (Fr.), Erika Womach (Jr.), Megan Drakas (Fr.) Cheyenne Churchville (So.), Lucy Adigibe (Fr.), Karleigh White (So.), Hannah Thomas (Fr.). Hurdles: Stephanie Hedin (Jr.), Bryn Maiden (So.). Distance: Ellen Havard (Sr.), Morgan Dickerman (Jr.), Kelsey White (Jr.), Mallory Snyder (Sr.), Alex Green (Sr.). Jumps: Jen Maurer (So.), Amia Boone (So.). Throws: Macey Tansecho (Sr.), Rachel Klein (Sr.), Amia Boone (So.), Katie Armstrong (So.), Erin Lonesky (Jr.).Outlook: Upped their record last year considerably from previous season. Added a slew of talented freshmen sprinters. And still have the league best thrower in Macey Tansecho, a state qualifier in the shot put. Also have standout basketball player Katie Armstrong return in the throws. "The team looks to improve on its third place finish in the PAC-10 from last year,' Petsko said. "Led by the senior leadership of throwing standout Macey Tansecho (defending PAC-10 shot put champion), fellow thrower Rachel Klein, distance runners Alex Green and Mallory Snyder, and sprinter/hurdler Stephanie Hedin, the team looks to improve with the help of a plethora of young talent. The team had a solid indoor track and field season and looks forward to the challenges of this spring season.'

PHOENIXVILLE

Head coach: Justin Winters, 1st year.

Last year's record: 2-7 PAC-10.Phantoms to watch — Sprints: Lexi Batista (Jr.), Taylor Reed (Jr.), Samantha McIntyre (Jr.), Kerri Marini (So.), Lauren Benner (Jr.), Brogan Heisey (So.), Breanne Armour (So.). Hurdles: Mackensie Smith (Jr.), Keri Marini (So.), Susi Shier (So.). Mid-distance/Distance: Jackie Tucker (Sr.), Lilly Jennings (Jr.), Fiona Holleran (Jr.), Caylin Jenkins (Jr.), Allie Little (So.), Kaitlin Schneider (So.), Alaina DeLeone (Fr.), Emily Lemon (Fr.). Jumps: Samantha McvIntyre (Jr.), Brudget Walt (Jr.), Kerri Marini (So.), Lauren Benner (Jr.). Pole vault: Rachel Bierly (So.).Outlook: Winters, also the Phantoms boys cross country coach for past three seasons, takes over for longtime coach Jack Kraynak. Is already very familiar with Phantoms team. As with Phantoms boys team, much deeper in numbers this season. Did not suffer any significant losses to graduation. "The Lady Phantoms have gotten a boost in numbers this year and plan to be competitive on the track,' Winters said. "However, the field events may pose some challenges as the team tries to recruit and build throwers and jumpers for the future. However, the Phantoms expect to be competitive and in every meet this year. We hope to recruit more girls as the season wears on and build a team that can compete with anyone in the league.'

Last year's record: 3-6 PAC-10.Falcons to watch — Sprint: Marquita Barefield (Sr.), Timeka Barr (Sr.), Imanye Delay (So.), Diana Randleman (Fr.). Hurdles: Alivia Faison (Sr.), Marisa Driscoll (Jr.), Kerri Carter (So.). Distance: Dyani Hairston (So.), Ariana Neiman (So.). Jumps: Brittany Opuku (Sr.), Ryan Gibney (Fr.). Throws: Adrinne Boardley (Sr.).Outlook: Romeo takes over as head coach after the departure of Frank Scaltrito. Not that Romeo is new to Pottsgrove, having been a Falcons assistant for six years. "In my first full season as head coach, numbers are up compared to recent years and we're looking to rebuild a team culture around Pottsgrove girls' track and field,' Romeo said. "With just under 40 girls out for the team, almost half are either ninth graders or new to track and field. While that may make us less experienced than more competitive teams in the league, it also means we have a lot of new potential to work with. We are relatively strong in the hurdles and respectable in the sprints. Distance and throws will be areas for growth this season. The core group of returning upperclassmen is talented and has bought in to the new team philosophy. Between their leadership and the enthusiasm of our new teammates, we're looking to match or exceed our total number of wins from last year and grow the team's numbers and reputation heading into the future.'POTTSTOWN

Head coach: James Wiggins, 4th year.

Last year's record: 0-9 PAC-10.Trojans to watch — Sprints and hurdles: Kirsten Phillips (Jr.), Sierra Duvivier (Sr.), Yuliza Cruz (Fr.), Brittany Bosko (So.), Danielle Slody (Fr.). Distance: Sierra Duvivier (Sr.), Torry Dugan (Jr.), Kiara Horsey (Jr.). Jumps: Mya Pope (So.). Throws: Deja Matthews (Jr.), Indiya Jeffers (So.), Delanie Hain (Fr.).Outlook: Have excellent talent and brought up their numbers this season. But did lose some standouts, most notably one of area's and state's best in the hurdles in Quiana McIntosh. Actually lost her mid-season last year "due to some family responsibilities,' according to coach Wiggins. Also lost top thrower Kylee Hicks, who graduated. "I have a good group of sprinters/hurdlers this season in Kirsten Phillips, Sierra Duvivier, Yuliza Cruz, Brittany Bosko and Danielle Slody,' Wiggins said. "In the jumps, Mya Pope will do triple duty this season — long, triple and high. She should have a break-out season. In distance, Kiara Horsey, Torry Dugan, and Sierra Duvivier are working very hard to compete with the best in the PAC-10 this season. And I have some newcomers in throws in Deja Matthews, Indiya Jeffers and Delanie Hain. This is the biggest team I have had since becoming the girls coach so I am very excited for the upcoming season. I am coaching the girls to believe in themselves and their teammates to compete to the best of their abilities.'

Last year's record: 1-8 PAC-10.Indians to watch — Sprints: Jess Becco (Sr.), Audrey Gibbs (Jr.), Gabby Marinelli (So.), Gabie Mealing (So.), Julia Duemler (So.), Morgan Rynn (So.), Julia Rogers (So.), Lydia Buckwalter (Fr.), Gabby Martin (Fr.), Addisen Martin (Fr.), Teresa Swartley (Fr.), Brytney Wornham (Fr.). Hurdles: Megan Ritting (So.). Distance: Jamie Homan (So.), Haley Martin (So.), Taylor Ayers (Fr.), Madi Phipps (Fr.), Sam Hannon (Fr.). Jumps: Aubrey Gibbs (Jr.), Gabby Marinelli (So.), Gabby Martin (Fr.), Addisen Martin (Fr.). Pole vault: Rylee Fluherty (So.), Lydia Buckwalter (Fr.). Throws: Jess Spano (Jr.), Haley Grant (So.), Faith Huffman (So.).Outlook: Indians most significant loss was distance standout Lydia Keiper. And as with boys, Niemann kept on coaching Indians cross country teams during hiatus. Upper Perk is much deeper in distance runners this season. "I helped out another school in the PAC-10 (in track) for those three years and learned a lot,' Niemann said. "I hope what I have learned will assist me in building a successful program here. The numbers are low and I feel as if we are starting from square one. But the kids are working hard. We have an excellent veteran coaching staff and the team is loaded with younger and/or first-year athletes. I'm hoping we can all grow together into one of the more competitive teams in the conference. The weather hasn't helped but I think everyone else is in the same boat. It will take some time to figure out what we have and hopefully we can stay healthy enough to make some noise at the end of the season. We look forward to the challenge ahead of us.'